Yakima Valley Water Recreation
Just because there are 300 days of sunshine each year doesn't mean the Yakima Valley is short on water! Our waterways wind their way down the forested slopes of the East Cascade Mountain Range, forming 109 different lakes and a combined 173 miles of flowing rivers. The Yakima River is Washington State's only designated "Blue Ribbon" trout fishing stream, while the many lakes and reservoirs make it the perfect destination for boating, kayaking and waterskiing.
Whether you're an adventure lover looking for a whitewater thrill or just want to take a leisurely afternoon fly fishing the banks of a lazy river, the Yakima Valley waterways provide the perfect escapes throughout the entire year. There's no better way to beat the heat than spending a day on the water in the Yakima Valley!
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Yakima River Canyon
The perfect spot for a leisurely summertime float or a relaxing day of fly fishing (it's our state's only "Blue Ribbon" trout stream), the Yakima River Canyon has plenty of access points and endless ways to have fun!
- BOATING
- FISHING
- KAYAKING
- RIVER FLOATING
24 miles from the Visitor Information Center
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Yakima Greenway
This 18 mile paved pathway borders both the Yakima and Naches rivers, and has six small lakes and fishing ponds perfect for an afternoon in the sun! The larger ponds all feature boat launches and most have picnic facilities.
- FISHING
- KAYAKING
- BOATING
1 mile from the Visitor Information Center
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Rimrock Lake
A quick 40-minute drive from Downtown Yakima, Rimrock Lake serves up 187 square miles of prime water recreation, surrounded by breathtaking views of rugged glaciers and towering forests!
- BOATING
- FISHING
- KAYAKING
- PADDLE BOARDING
43 miles from the Visitor Information Center
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Tieton River
The Tieton River is the fastest-moving, fastest-dropping river in Washington! Every September, water gets released from Rimrock Lake, creating 12 miles of amazing whitewater rafting and kayaking!
- WHITE WATER RAFTING
- KAYAKING
- PADDLE BOARDING
33 miles from the Visitor Information Center
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Little Naches River
Head up Chinook Pass Scenic Byway to check out this exciting kayak spot! Put in at Mathew Creek and splash through 9.5 miles of class III and IV rapids down to the Little Naches Campground.
- WHITE WATER RAFTING
- KAYAKING
53 miles from the Visitor Information Center
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Bumping Lake
Created naturally by glaciers and fed by snowmelt, Bumping Lake is a picturesque fishing destination, and features a boat launch, campgrounds, boat rentals and tons of accesible adventure opportunities!
- BOATING
- FISHING
- KAYAKING
- PADDLE BOARDING
59 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Must See Yakima Valley Stops
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